| name | create-tabletop-rpg |
| description | End-to-end workflow for designing, playtesting, illustrating, laying out, and publishing a tabletop role-playing game. Covers core system design, character creation mechanics, setting development, playtesting methodology, art direction, layout and graphic design, and publishing on DriveThruRPG, itch.io, and through Kickstarter campaigns.
Use when the user wants to create tabletop rpg or needs a structured multi-step process for this goal.
Do NOT use when the request is a single-step task or requires professional advice beyond educational guidance. |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| type | workflow |
| skills | tabletop-rpg-designer worldbuilding-master digital-illustrator self-publishing-guide |
| trigger_phrases | I want to create a tabletop RPG design my own RPG system make a TTRPG publish a tabletop game create an RPG rulebook design a role-playing game TTRPG from scratch |
| metadata | {"author":"foundry-skills","version":"1.0.0","tags":"tabletop-rpg game-design content-marketing step-by-step planning","category":"creative-project","depends":"tabletop-rpg-designer worldbuilding-master digital-illustrator self-publishing-guide"} |
Create Tabletop Rpg
Estimated time: 4-8 months
This workflow guides you through creating a complete tabletop role-playing game
from initial system concept through design, playtesting, art, layout, and
publication. The indie TTRPG scene has exploded in recent years, with platforms
like itch.io and DriveThruRPG making it possible for solo designers to reach
thousands of players. But creating a good TTRPG requires a rare combination of
game design skill, writing ability, visual presentation, and willingness to
playtest relentlessly.
The workflow covers six phases: system design, worldbuilding and writing,
playtesting iteration, art direction and creation, layout and graphic design,
and publishing and distribution. It works for anything from a one-page micro-RPG
to a full 200+ page rulebook.
By the end of this workflow you will have: a playtested game system, a
written and edited rulebook, professional art and layout, and a published game
available for purchase.
When to Use
- User wants to create tabletop rpg
- User needs a structured, step-by-step process for create tabletop rpg
- User wants to create a tabletop RPG
- design my own RPG system
- make a TTRPG
- Do NOT use when: the request is outside the scope of create tabletop rpg or requires professional advice beyond educational guidance
- Do NOT use for single-step tasks that one atomic skill can handle independently
Prerequisites
Before starting this workflow, ensure:
- Experience playing tabletop RPGs (understanding what makes them work)
- A game concept or mechanical idea you want to explore
- Access to playtest groups (in-person or online)
- Basic writing ability (the rulebook is a technical document that must be clear)
- Budget for art and layout (or willingness to learn these skills)
Steps
Step 1: Design Your Core System (uses: tabletop-rpg-designer)
Use the Tabletop RPG Designer and D&D Master skills to design the core
mechanical framework.
- Input: game concept and mechanical ideas, Target play experience (combat-focused, narrative-driven, investigation, horror), Complexity level (rules-light, medium-crunch, heavy-crunch)
- Output: Resolution system, character creation, and action economy, Attributes, skills, classes/playbooks, and advancement, Combat or challenge resolution rules
- Key focus: Defining the core resolution mechanic: what dice do players roll, what
Step 2: Build the World and Write the Rules (uses: worldbuilding-master)
Use the Worldbuilding Master and Game Narrative Writer skills to create the
setting and write the complete rulebook text.
